Answer from "researcher", a Physiology Researcher:
I think that there are advantages and disadvantages to being a woman scientist. However, I really think that many of the disadvantages that exist will gradually disappear as more women enter the scientific field. I know that any disadvantages I face are very minor compared to what women in science faced 20 years ago, and that is simply because there are more of us! As people get more and more used to seeing us and considering us an integral part of the scientific community, we will be less likely to be seen as "different". On the up side, the greatest advantage of being a woman scientist is being considered a role model for young girls and women and being able to encourage them to pursue their goals regardless of their gender.

Answer from "GICH2O", a Marine Scientist:
I would like all young women to question what they see and hear on TV, in magazines, in the newspaper and try to spot when women are being portrayed as weak, dumb, dependent or somehow less than who they really are. I was lucky to grow up in a family where my mother was a school psychologist, my dad was a business man and I was treated the same as my two younger brothers. I had equal access to the tool boxes, got science kits for gifts and was always pushed to learn as much as possible. I thought everyone was raised that way but found out that not everyone is. Women are just as capable of being scientists as men and unfortunately sometimes are given the impression that they are not as capable as men or that men will find intelligent women unattractive. Let me tell you, any man who does not want to see you be all that you can be is not worth your time. You can do better. And it's not always men's fault. Sometimes women hold each other down. Don't do that. Support your female friends to achieve their dreams. Not everyone needs to be a scientist but if you enjoy science or think you might have skills in this area, it is worth it to stick with it. If you visit New England Aquarium, you will notice many women in professional capacities, vets, biologists, aquarists, researchers and many other jobs. It opens many doors for you and many different careers that are very fulfilling. And if enough adult science mentors out there can be there to help you through the hard times there won't be much holding you back. The world needs as many people solving science problems as we can muster. It might sound corny but it is true that "knowledge is power" and scientific knowledge is especially powerful. So girls, hold on to the power.

Thanks to Sara from Healey Middle School for submitting this question!